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Capturing beautiful memories through portraits is undeniably fun, but let's face it – orchestrating the perfect portrait session can be as stressful as herding cats! Believe me, I understand the chaos; I'm a total wreck planning my own family's annual photos every year, and hey, I'm the pro here! So, fret not, my friends, because I've curated a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and a few do's and don'ts that will transform your session into the smoothest, happiest, and dare I say it, dad-approved family affair yet! Get ready to create moments that will have everyone in the family saying, "Cheese!" with genuine joy! 📸😄
What Not to Wear
When it comes to planning your portrait session, one of the most common questions I receive is about choosing the right attire. While there are a few general 'rules,' the key is to wear what makes you feel fantastic! Portraits are an excellent opportunity to showcase your unique style and fashion sense. Here are some essential do's and don'ts to consider when selecting your picture-perfect outfits:
**DON'Ts:**
1. **Avoid All-White Ensembles:** Wearing all white, even just white shirts, can appear harsh and create a distracting glow in photos. Similarly, steer clear of neon colors, as they tend to have the same effect.
2. **Say No to Logos and TV Characters:** Clothing with logos or recognizable TV characters can divert attention from your personality, so it's best to skip them.
3. **Stay Away from Small Stripes or Busy Patterns:** Small stripes and busy prints don't photograph well and can appear distorted in pictures. Opt for solid or larger patterns for a more flattering look.
4. **Avoid White or Character-Themed Shoes for Kids:** White or character-themed shoes draw attention away from the outfit. Instead, go for solid-colored shoes or boots, allowing the focus to remain on the overall ensemble.
**DOs:**
1. **Coordinate Colors and Vibes:** Plan a cohesive color palette and overall vibe for your group. If it's a family or group shoot, ensure everyone's outfits complement each other.
2. **Incorporate Personal Touches:** Feel free to incorporate toys or items your kids love. These personal touches not only add sentiment but also help your children feel comfortable and relaxed during the shoot.
3. **Flatter Your Shape:** Choose clothing that fits well and flatters your figure, regardless of your size. Well-fitted attire enhances your natural features and looks great in photos.
4. **Prioritize Fashion and Functionality:** Opt for fashionable yet functional clothing, especially for kids. Kids need freedom to move around, so avoid fussy or uncomfortable clothes.
5. **Be Authentic:** Most importantly, be yourself! While these guidelines are helpful, the key is to wear what makes you comfortable. Your photos should reflect your personality, so wear outfits that resonate with your authentic self.
By keeping these do's and don'ts in mind, you'll be well-prepared to choose outfits that not only make you look fabulous but also ensure your portraits capture the essence of who you are. Happy styling! 🌟📸
Location! Location! Location!
Selecting the backdrop for your stunning portraits can be one of the easier decisions during session planning, at least in my experience. Choose something that aligns with your style and the mood you want to convey! Are you aiming for a romantic and airy atmosphere? Picture yourself in a beautiful field with majestic mountains in the background, all bathed in the warm glow of a sunset. Prefer a more modern and contemporary vibe? Embrace funky colored buildings, stairs, and steps as your canvas. If an urban setting is more your speed, alleys, brick walls, and buildings create fantastic backdrops, and skate parks offer an edgy touch!
Rest assured, we can discover the perfect location to match any aesthetic you have in mind!
A quick note about locations: In the greater Las Vegas area, including popular spots like Red Rock, several parks and areas require a photography permit for shooting. The permit costs range from $50 to $500, which is a fee covered by you, the client. If this isn't within your portrait budget, don't worry – I'm more than happy to help find locations that don't require permits or fees. Just let me know, and we'll make sure your vision comes to life without any extra hassle or cost. Your portrait experience should be as seamless and enjoyable as possible!
A few tips & tricks
Preparing for your session? Here are a few handy tips to make the experience a breeze:
1. **Practice Your Smile:** Seriously! If you prefer smiling photos (some don't, and that's perfectly fine), spend a few minutes practicing your smile in front of the mirror. Familiarity with your best smile can make a big difference in your photos.
2. **Rest Well:** Ensure everyone gets plenty of rest the night before. Happy, well-rested participants result in beautiful pictures!
3. **Fuel Up:** Don't forget to eat before the session! Make sure everyone's tummies are filled, especially for young children and, yes, dads too! :)
4. **Be Punctual:** Arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for any last-minute issues that may arise. It helps create a relaxed atmosphere and ensures a smooth start to the session. This is especially important for Golden Hour Photos. The SUN waits for no one!
5. **Consider Glasses:** If you wear glasses, think about using contacts or simply taking them off during the session. Glasses can catch glare from surrounding light sources, so it's something worth considering. Of course, if you don't mind glasses or glare in your photos, feel free to keep them on!
6. **Pack Essentials:** Bring a comb, lotion, and chapstick or lip balm. You'd be surprised how these small items can come in handy and ensure everyone looks their best during the shoot.
7. **Relax and Enjoy:** Most importantly, relax and have FUN! A relaxed atmosphere leads to genuine smiles and natural poses, resulting in fantastic photos that capture the true essence of your family.
8. **Coordinate Outfits:** If you're having a family or group session, coordinate outfits beforehand. Choose complementary colors and styles that work well together. Avoid overly matching outfits, but aim for a cohesive look that enhances the overall aesthetics of the photos.
9. **Communicate with the Photographer:** Share your expectations and preferences with your photographer in advance. Let them know if there are specific poses or styles you prefer. Clear communication ensures that the photographer can tailor the session to meet your vision.
With these tips in mind, you're all set for a wonderful and stress-free photo session! 📸😊